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No two days or two weeks are ever alike

What does an editor do? I think that was one of the questions I tried to answer for the students at a recent career fair at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School.

One answer I gave them was that no two days are ever alike just like no two weeks are ever alike. And that’s a good thing. I am never bored or am never not busy.

Even though last week was a short four-day work week for some, the news never stops and so the news cycle churned. Toss on top of that some outside-the-office fun community events and you have my week in a nutshell.

Why I got such a kick out of the career fair was because these kids are counting down the number of days left in the school year just like the teachers, sisters and administrators. I am not so sure about the parents, however.

I gave all five groups of students I spoke to a little advice and a little homework, if you will. I told them to take notes about what they did on their summer vacation since on the first day back in August that is what they would be asked to write about. I asked the teachers in the room if I was right, and they smiled and nodded. Some things never change.

The best story I heard at the career fair was from Charlie, a second-grader. He told me he heard a 29-foot crocodile had gotten two little girls down at the May River. I told him I would have to check that tip out.

My other school-related event last week was a volunteer appreciation breakfast for the Jasper County School District. The superintendent, other administrators, principals and school volunteers were there to be recognized for all that they do.

Two guests from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce were there and several elected and appointed officials. For me it was good to see so many folks in one room who want to improve the area’s schools and to continue to make doing just that a top priority.

The people who give up their time to volunteer in the schools are truly making a difference in the lives of the kids in the next generation. These children are going to need to be educated when they leave our public schools. Our workforce depends on these young folks to be trained and ready to go.

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation celebrated its first birthday last week and those companies incubating in Bluffton’s pride and joy are going to need employees who are ready to help find the cure for cancer or who can develop the next cool app that people my age and older won’t be able to pronounce.

All kidding aside, May 30 was a great day for Bluffton as it celebrated a full year of hard work and all that the Don Ryan Center has accomplished. Our center is the first of its kind in the state and Hartsville will be modeling its center and programs after Bluffton.

The partnership between the town of Bluffton, Clemson, CareCore National and other businesses is one to keep an eye on. The first innovator graduated and more than 100 people were on hand to see NutriFusion’s Bill Grand get “pinned” by Mayor Lisa Sulka as she gave up her coveted Clemson pin. She has started a tradition.

I was proud to be at the May 30 event and to watch all the people who worked so hard to make it a reality take a moment to celebrate. I know Helen Ryan, Don’s widow, and Kevin, Don’s son, were on hand and appreciative of the fact that Don’s vision has become reality.

The final community event I will mention here that I took part in last week was getting a tour of the Stoney Creek area from Jean Tanner. Jean has been tempting me for months to come by to see the tides and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s hard to say “No” to the mother of the sheriff and whose home I drive by at least twice a day. I toot the horn or wave when I see her on her golf cart crossing the road or at the newspaper boxes. She keeps us in line, trust me.

On May 28 I was on that golf cart and before I knew it I was on a dock learning how to cast a net for shrimp. There was something pretty darn special about being taught how to do something on a breezy evening in the Lowcountry. It was the perfect way to end my day and a good way to remember all that we have in our own backyard that we sometimes take for granted.

Editor Kathy Nelson may be reached at kathy.nelson@blufftontoday.com or 843-815-0800, Ext. 19. Her column runs every other week.